LISBON, Portugal – The Portuguese government is recommending its staff try cycling in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save money on gas.

The government has reduced its vehicle fleet from more than 28,000 in 2010 to fewer than 27,000 last year and now intends to buy 1,200 electric cars.

The goal is to save 50 million euros ($55 million) and reduce the government fleet's CO2 emissions by 20 percent between 2015 and 2020. That also means getting the over half-a-million government employees to think green and encouraging them to use bikes.

Environment chief Jorge Moreira da Silva said Wednesday the government will set up parking lots for bicycles at government buildings, but it wasn't immediately clear if other incentives would be introduced. Ride-sharing and video conferences will also be recommended.